The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Durango, Colorado Now
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED JULY 2023 • 6 min read
Follow 5 Reasons to Visit® on Google News for the latest travel articles + guides
Located in southwestern Colorado at the foot of the San Juan Mountains in the Animas River Valley, Durango is the perfect combination of historical sites, natural attractions and modern wonders. With more restaurants per capita than some major cities—this rustic chic railroad town is a must-visit. North of Durango, Purgatory Resort features 105 trails, five terrain parks, and 1,605 skiable acres.
Check out southwestern Colorado’s cosmopolitan side when you experience all of the comforts and attractions that downtown Durango has to offer. Immerse yourself in the area’s vibrant heritage on a walking tour through historic downtown, take in a show at a Durango theatre or music venue, or feed your creative side at one of Durango’s museums or art galleries. These are the top five reasons why Durango, Colorado should be on your bucket list.
1. THE CUISINE & COCKTAILS
Nestled in the heart of Durango, Colorado, The Yellow Carrot is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience. Founded by award-winning Chef Sari Suzanne Seedorf, her sole mission is to provide guests with the most exceptional culinary experience imaginable—one that encompasses art, food, health, love, joy, wisdom, prosperity, and gratitude. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Huckleberry Lotus Sangria—concocted with huckleberry vodka, and freshly-squeezed blackberry, cherry, lime, lemon, and orange juices, the tantalizing Scarlet Lavender Lemonade, or the robust Smoky & Sweet Bourbon Sour.
The Yellow Carrot in Durango, Colorado
In addition to delicious craft cocktails, The Yellow Carrot offers a modern approach to signature classic comfort foods. Show-stopping favorites include Green Eggs & Ham with truffled asparagus bisque, poached asparagus, tarragon and cream fried eggs and cherry smoked pork belly, Beignets & Brussels with fried petals, and garlic and cheddar fried pastry choux, Pumpkin Seed & Oat Fried Green Tomato Benedict with lemon thyme and charnushka hollandaise, Ahi Tuna & Smoked Eggplant Mutabal with oregano and beet canasta, The Great Garden with basil vinaigrette, as well as Thai Basil Beef with beet-infused rice noodles.
For those with a sweet tooth, enjoy one of many housemade desserts, such as Lemon Ginger Sticky Bun with Orange Cardamon Anglaise and White Chocolate Mousse. Come and fall in love at The Yellow Carrot with their vibrant, intricately designed dishes bursting with extraordinary aromas, exotic flavors and beauty.
2. THE ART
One of Durango’s oldest and most treasured historic galleries, Toh-Atin preserves and showcases pieces from hundreds of different Native American artists in the Four Corners region. On any given week they collaborate with over 20 different tribes and it’s likely you’ll meet at least one of the artists behind the work when walking through Toh-Atin—making for a memorable and intimate experience.
Source: Visit Durango
Nationally recognized for its diverse selection of rugs, pottery, paintings and history, Toh-Atin not only offers genuine, quality Native American pieces, but also provides a means for locals to continue centuries-old traditions.
Durango, Colorado is a hidden gem in the arts and cultural world with over a dozen mixed-medium art galleries and dotted with numerous displays of public art, all made by local artists and displaying Durango's rich culture and heritage.
3. THE SHOPPING
Emporiums filled with antiques. Chic boutiques that highlight up-and-coming designers. Tradition-steeped, handcrafted items. Delicious artisanal products. With over 500 stores in the Durango area, you’re bound to find that special something. From chic boutiques to galleries showcasing exquisite Native American jewelry, there is plenty to discover in Durango’s eclectic shopping scene.
Take a break from your adventures for a little retail therapy—Durango, Colorado is the perfect place to shop ‘til you drop. From clothing stores and home stores to bike and outdoor gear shops, even the most discerning shopper will find something they’ll love in this unique shopping environment.
4. THE GARDENS
The Durango Botanic Gardens, located just off the River Trail, surrounding the Durango Public Library is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Bring a picnic, sit on the grass, listen to the river, wander the paths and enjoy the ambiance. The Arboreta includes the Gabbro Miniature Conifer Garden, the Cindy Smart Miniature Tree Garden, and the Arboretum (larger tree specimens). Also note the Mountain Thyme Herb Society’s Working Sundial and Thyme Garden as well as the Rosie the Riveter Rose Garden.
The Durango Botanic Gardens are continually evolving. A current major garden project is the Literary Garden to the west of the library. This garden will marry flowers, trees, and plants with themes and authors in literature. This project will recognize our partnership with the library and our philosophy that together, libraries and gardens create their own kind of magic.
5. THE HIKING
Hiking in the Durango, Colorado is a surreal experience that few other destinations in the United States can match. Within 50 miles of town are yawning high deserts, towering spruce-fir forests, luscious alpine meadows, and secret caves to investigate. Every trek into the woods in our mountain community is a distinct experience, even if you’re visiting the same place twice.
With over 340 years of history, the city’s architecture has organically adopted styles and tastes to include Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Neoclassical, Neo-gothic, Italianate, Victorian and Art Deco designs. The famed Isaac Jenkins Mikell House with its graceful piazzas is Charleston’s most noted, while the Miles Brewton House
WHERE TO STAY IN DURANGO, COLORADO
Built in 1887, the historic Strater Hotel is one of the West’s iconic hotels and a prominent downtown Durango, Colorado landmark located two blocks north of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Only one hour from Mesa Verde National Park, several hours from the Four Corners Monument, and deep in the heart of the rugged San Juan Mountains and the San Juan Scenic Skyway—the hotel is adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, period wallpaper, and the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques which are used to decorate the hotel and guestrooms. Each unique guest room has amazing Victorian walnut furnishings, Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper, authentic and historic drapes, and are full of history.
